Schalke U23 before the Derby: Wegkamp suffers cruciate ligament tear – Absence list continues to grow

Schalke's U23 goes into the derby against Borussia Dortmund with another serious personnel blow. After the 3:3 at SV Rödinghausen, it is clear: striker Gerrit Wegkamp has suffered a cruciate ligament tear in his knee and will be out for a long time. In addition, Emil Zeil is newly added to the absence list.

Wegkamp injured in Rödinghausen – Diagnosis: cruciate ligament tear

Gerrit Wegkamp is hit the hardest. The 33-year-old, a central figure in the team as a striker and leader, was injured in the away game in Rödinghausen. Coach Jakob Fimpel described the scene as Wegkamp having "landed really awkwardly." The subsequent diagnosis: cruciate ligament tear.

This means not only is the current season practically over for Wegkamp. In professional football, cruciate ligament injuries often require a rehabilitation process lasting several months – with stabilization and rebuilding work before a return to competitive play is possible. Fimpel put the perspective accordingly: The consequences of the injury would "extend far into the next season."

The setback comes at a sensitive time for everyone involved. Wegkamp is on loan to Schalke U23 from third-division club MSV Duisburg for this season. Both Schalke and the player himself were open to further cooperation, but Duisburg would also be involved in any decision. Fimpel therefore called the situation "brutally bitter."

Injury series burdens Schalke U23 – Zeil also newly out

The new absence fits a pattern that has already hit Schalke U23 several times this season. After the game in Rödinghausen, Emil Zeil was also added to the absences. The team had already had to cope with several serious injuries before.

• Ayman Emran Gulasi – cruciate ligament tear
• Paul Pöpperl – cruciate ligament tear
• Mika Khadr – broken ankle
• Johannes Siebeking – broken collarbone
• Edion Gashi – broken collarbone

"Far too much" is what his team has had to endure in terms of serious injuries, said Fimpel.

Such a series weighs doubly in a U23: On the one hand, options for the matchday squad are missing, on the other hand, automatisms are lost because young players and returnees constantly have to get used to each other again. And now, of all people, an experienced player like Wegkamp is missing, who can provide not only goals but also structure and calm in tight matches.

Derby at Parkstadion: Schalke fifth, Dortmund third

Sportingly, the next highlight is just around the corner. The derby against Dortmund will kick off on Sunday, May 3, at 5 p.m. in the Parkstadion.

Schalke U23 goes into the match as fifth in the table with 52 points, Dortmund is in third place with five points more.

The first leg is also part of the starting position: In Dortmund, Schalke clearly lost 1:4. However, Fimpel made it clear that his team wants to go into the derby with a clear plan despite the personnel setbacks: "We still have the first leg in mind, want to play confidently and turn it the other way this time."

This means the situation before the derby remains twofold: In terms of the table, the game is important – and offers the chance to react to the first leg. In terms of personnel, however, the situation is even more tense due to Wegkamp's cruciate ligament tear and Zeil's additional absence.